WILD AGAIN: The Tree Whisperer

By Joann ByrnesColumnist

Thursday

Jun 14, 2018 at 6:00 AM

More than ever we need a forest guardian, a Lorax, to step forward.

“I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongue” I am the Lorax

More than ever we need a forest guardian, a Lorax, to step forward. Did you know the these pine trees that surround us, some call them scrub pines, are a globally rare forest? Yup! These pinelands, as they are called, stretch along the coast and are also called pine barrens, referring to the acidic, low nutrient soil as we have all come to love so much. Its common name is sugar sand! As garden lovers know, bring on the mulch..haha.

This habitat is extremely important for the flora and fauna who live here because they can't survive anywhere else. Forty- three inhabitants are threatened or endangered in this habitat. (Although numbers change daily.) We all know some of the plants and animals well, such as the lady slipper, the eastern timber rattlesnake, and the bald eagle. Despite being protected in 1972 the bobcat has been pushed out, as well were the bears. Although the bears are starting to make their way back! Go bears!

The pine barren forest in our area starts around Kingston, and stretches down through the cape. There are some wonderful people trying to protect these diminishing forests and the beautiful plants and animals within. A quick shout out to my new friend Judy with the flower specs, who is one of those beautiful people! But we need everyone's help! You can get more information at SEMPBA’ s website, Southeastern Pine Barrens Alliance in Plymouth. They say it takes one voice to make a difference but we need a whole community with the same voice. Keep Friday July 27 open for another celebration, where we can come together as a community and learn more about what we are fighting for. It will be at the Wildlands Trust. There will be food, friends, science and me. More details to come.

Sad but true, I had no idea how important these pines were and how much trouble they are in. Just the fact that it's our home should be enough for us to want to protect the woods around us. Once the woods are gone, so are we. Remember a tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean. The Lorax.

And remember, as always, keep wildlife wild.

JoAnn Byrnes is a local state-permitted wildlife rehabilitator who has been working with wildlife for over 20 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bridgewater State University. Any questions? Email her at wild.again@yahoo.com. Follow her on twitter @ByrnesMae.